Heroic Media has two goals: to provide women facing unexpected pregnancies with hopeful alternatives through mass media advertising, and to create a culture of life. The establishment of Heroic News addresses the second goal.

"Joe is one of the great lights of the movement. He's one of the few leaders who can claim to have influenced the direction of pro-life activism, and one of the few leaders who can rightfully say that he has mentored hundreds of others who are now involved in pro-life work.

"Thirty years ago Joe invented pro-life activist strategies, ways of confronting the evil of abortion at the very place where the unborn die. His whole approach is unique, bold and inventive. Moreover, Joe's legacy is one of rare sacrifice. He deserved this honor and I'm proud to say I know this great and holy man."

About 24 angry, goofy and vocal pro-abortion demonstrators tried to rain on Joe's parade, so to speak — they reportedly slashed the tires of at least one vehicle belonging to a couple attending the banquet — but they were countered by about 40 young pro-lifers who staged their own (peaceful) counter-protest of the pro-aborts.

Among the pro-life leaders who gave testimonials during the banquet were Janet Morana of Priests for Life, David Bereit of 40 Days for Life, Doug Scott of Life Decisions International, and Jim Sedlak of American Life League.

The testimonials were followed by a short film, produced by Monica's Citizens for a Pro-Life Society, which effectively captures the essence of Joe's commitment to the pro-life cause. The film may be viewed at www.prolifesociety.com.

Matt C. Abbott

Matt C. Abbott is a Catholic commentator with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication, media and theatre from Northeastern Illinois University. He also has an Associate in Applied Science degree in business management from Triton College. He's been interviewed on MSNBC, Bill Martinez Live, WOSU Radio in Ohio, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's 'Unsolved' podcast, WLS-TV (ABC) in Chicago, WMTV (NBC) and WISC-TV (CBS) in Madison, Wis., and has been quoted in The New York Times and the Chicago Tribune. He can be reached at mattcabbott@<NOSPAM>gmail.com.

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